Hey, hey! My family and I spent this past week on Sanibel Island off the coast of Florida and had such a great time. It was so so nice to be in warm weather and to lay out in the sun and be on the beach all week long! Now that I'm back in freezing temperatures, I'm missing our fun week on the island so I thought I'd share a little bit of my trip with you all.
Christmas Vacation: Sanibel Island
Hey, hey! My family and I spent this past week on Sanibel Island off the coast of Florida and had such a great time. It was so so nice to be in warm weather and to lay out in the sun and be on the beach all week long! Now that I'm back in freezing temperatures, I'm missing our fun week on the island so I thought I'd share a little bit of my trip with you all.
Dear Big Papi,
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| Bleacher Report: Elsa/Getty |
Big Papi, The Large Father, David Ortiz.
One of Boston's greatest. One of baseball's greatest.
Thank you for being our guy for all these years. Thank you for being the clutch of all clutch players. Thank you for being a face that Boston and all your fans will forever admire. As you get ready to play your final game against our forever rival, the New York Yankees, I find myself getting sentimental for all the baseball joy you've brought to your fans and how much we'll all miss you on the field.
Eating Healthy: Easy Green Smoothie Recipe
Treat Yo Self: 5 Ways to Relax and Unwind
Sometimes we all need to take some time for ourselves to relax and unwind. Whether it's the stress of school/work, a busy week, or feeling completely exhausted, time for ourselves is necessary every now and then. Here are 5 suggestions for the next time you need to treat yourself to some "me" time.
1. Clean: I know what you're thinking. Why on earth would I want to clean when all I want to do is relax?! But I'm telling you, if you do it right, cleaning can be really relaxing! Turn on your favorite music, sing at the top of your lungs (best part of the process really), and clean up your space. You'll feel so much better and more relaxed when your room is neat, organized, and inviting.
1. Clean: I know what you're thinking. Why on earth would I want to clean when all I want to do is relax?! But I'm telling you, if you do it right, cleaning can be really relaxing! Turn on your favorite music, sing at the top of your lungs (best part of the process really), and clean up your space. You'll feel so much better and more relaxed when your room is neat, organized, and inviting.
How I Got There: Transferring and Joining a Sorority
So for today's post I'm sharing some big aspects of my college career with you: transferring and joining a sorority!
My freshman year, I was at a smaller private university in North Carolina. I always pictured myself going to a big school but after applying to this smaller college, I started to like the idea. I went to a small private high school and thought that maybe it would be a better fit for me. As it turns out, it wasn't. A lot of people love being at a smaller university and I definitely had plenty of friends and classmates at this college that were head over heels for the school. It just wasn't for me. I quickly realized (within the first semester) that I wanted to be at a big school. I wanted to be at a huge SEC school where football games were top tier and where I could join a sorority. The small university that I started at didn't have Greek life and while football was still huge, it wasn't SEC style.
My freshman year, I was at a smaller private university in North Carolina. I always pictured myself going to a big school but after applying to this smaller college, I started to like the idea. I went to a small private high school and thought that maybe it would be a better fit for me. As it turns out, it wasn't. A lot of people love being at a smaller university and I definitely had plenty of friends and classmates at this college that were head over heels for the school. It just wasn't for me. I quickly realized (within the first semester) that I wanted to be at a big school. I wanted to be at a huge SEC school where football games were top tier and where I could join a sorority. The small university that I started at didn't have Greek life and while football was still huge, it wasn't SEC style.
Eating Healthy: Easy and Delicious Recipe Ideas
I've really been trying to eat a lot healthier lately and have discovered some great options that are both tasty and good for you! So for today's post, I'll be sharing with you 2 of my favorite healthy recipes/meal ideas. These are all really easy and quick to make too!
Healthy Pita Pizza:
Healthy Pita Pizza:
10 Things You Experience When You Move To Vegas
As I've mentioned on my blog before, I've lived in a LOT of different places. I spent high school in Las Vegas. Moving there, after living in mainly the south east, was a definite change. But I truly loved my time there. Although I am "from" a lot of places, I feel like Las Vegas is more so my home than a lot of the other places that I lived. I did a lot of growing up there and made life long friends in that desert city.
I've been missing Las Vegas a lot lately, so I thought this would be a fun, reflective post. There's a lot more where these came from, but here are 10 things that I discovered after moving to Vegas.
1. Slot Machines: They're not just for casinos.
You can spot the gambling man at your local grocery store when you live in Vegas. The entrance of most grocery stores is home to slot or video poker machines. Such a strange discovery when you hit up Albertson's for the first time.
2. Clouds: A rare occasion for the Vegas dweller.
In Vegas, there's not much need for checking the weather. You can bet on it being sunny 99% of the time. I love it. (Bonus: it's super hot but never humid) But if you ask the locals, most will tell you that a cloudy or rainy day is their favorite because it's such a rare occasion.
I've been missing Las Vegas a lot lately, so I thought this would be a fun, reflective post. There's a lot more where these came from, but here are 10 things that I discovered after moving to Vegas.
1. Slot Machines: They're not just for casinos.
You can spot the gambling man at your local grocery store when you live in Vegas. The entrance of most grocery stores is home to slot or video poker machines. Such a strange discovery when you hit up Albertson's for the first time.
2. Clouds: A rare occasion for the Vegas dweller.
In Vegas, there's not much need for checking the weather. You can bet on it being sunny 99% of the time. I love it. (Bonus: it's super hot but never humid) But if you ask the locals, most will tell you that a cloudy or rainy day is their favorite because it's such a rare occasion.
Summer Style
Hey, hey!
I've been doing some shopping and browsing lately and have come across a lot of great items for summer! While I have purchased some of these items, some are still on my wish list. Check it all out below! (Everything is linked below the collage.)
Sorry To Get All Political: Dear "Never Trump" Republicans
Dear "Never Trump" Republicans,
If you're still pouting and whining about how Trump isn't conservative enough, experienced enough, political enough, polished enough, etc. to be our presidential candidate, maybe it's time you got a reality check.
Because here's the thing. Whether you like it or not, he's our candidate.
Is he a perfect conservative? No. Is he a perfect Republican nominee? No.
Is anyone? Also, no.
I get it. You had other candidates in mind. Heck, I was all about Ted Cruz. But it is what it is. Whining or threatening not to vote at all does absolutely no good.
You "Never Trump"ers all claim to know conservatism. You all claim to recognize all the differences between a true conservative and a phony conservative. Yet, as I sit here watching you all throwing tantrums, it's your conservatism that I question. It's your thought process that I'm having trouble understanding.
If you're still pouting and whining about how Trump isn't conservative enough, experienced enough, political enough, polished enough, etc. to be our presidential candidate, maybe it's time you got a reality check.
Because here's the thing. Whether you like it or not, he's our candidate.
Is he a perfect conservative? No. Is he a perfect Republican nominee? No.
Is anyone? Also, no.
I get it. You had other candidates in mind. Heck, I was all about Ted Cruz. But it is what it is. Whining or threatening not to vote at all does absolutely no good.
You "Never Trump"ers all claim to know conservatism. You all claim to recognize all the differences between a true conservative and a phony conservative. Yet, as I sit here watching you all throwing tantrums, it's your conservatism that I question. It's your thought process that I'm having trouble understanding.
10 Tips For College Freshmen
I'm not an expert. (Is anyone though???) But so far, I've learned a thing or two.
1. Forget whatever typical college experience you have planned in your head. Even if you have the most typical experience, it will still have its own twists, turns, and happenings that make it your own--your college years. Let it come to you. Don't confine your 4 years of college to one specific image of what you think it should be. Just like many things in life, spontaneity is often the key.
2. The "freshman fifteen" is a real thing. And you'll quickly realize that you can make that a thing for every year of college if you want. But I'm not here to tell you to ditch the french fries and live off steamed broccoli and chia seeds. It's all about finding a balance that keeps you healthy but lets you live. Moderation people!!! If you want to go out with your friends and down a milkshake and cheeseburger, do it. Just don't do it every night (I am all about a Chipotle burrito or an overly sweetened latte every now and then). You don't have to be miserable to stay healthy. Hit up the gym or go for a run. You'll thank yourself for it every time.
Memorial Day
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| AP Photo/Susan Walsh (breitbart.com) |
Did you forget that?
Here's a reminder, America.
Memorial Day is a day of honor and remembrance. It's a day that is set aside for those that gave it all. It's a reminder that the sacrifice that those soldiers made for our country will never be in vain. They're lives and memory will not go unnoticed.
It's a reminder of how blessed we are to be Americans--and may we never take that for granted.
Memorial Day is a day dedicated to the brave men and women that fought for our nation but will never feel our great country beneath their feet again...they gave everything. They displayed a love and dedication for the United States that I will forever be grateful for. My heart aches for their loved ones.... My heart aches that such beautiful lives were lost.... I have the utmost respect for the sacrifice they gave for our beautiful America.
Unpopular Opinion: I Didn't Hate High School
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| Uniforms: private school problems |
I have noticed that anytime I have a conversation with my college friends about high school, it almost always includes them spouting off the phrase, "I hated high school" or something of that sort. A large number of the students that I went to high school with say the same thing. I find it sad when I come across people with this opinion because personally, I loved high school. I loved it for what it was. I think some people expected too much from it. Don't get me wrong. I am so happy to be done. Four years is enough and college is so much better. But high school was a totally different time and I'm happy that I can look back on it and smile.
Spring Fashion Wish List
It's been a while because I've had a busy month with school and everything else BUT I'm back and it's that time again! The start of a new season means the start of a new wish list. So today I'm coming at you with the list of things I have my eyes on for the spring season. Everything is linked to purchase! Just click/tap the picture. Let me know what your wish list items are in the comments!
Neutral Colored Swimsuit
Neutral Colored Swimsuit
Get To Know Emma
The purpose of this post is to share a little more about myself with some fun get-to-know-me questions! Leave me a comment below so I can get to know you too! Let's be friends!
Where are you from?
As I have mentioned in previous posts, I am a military brat and am from all over the place (12 places to be exact)! I've mainly lived in the South East (Florida, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia) and spent most of high school in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Why did you start your blog?
I started my blog because I love writing and sharing my opinion, thoughts, interests, etc. and blogging is a creative outlet for doing just that!
What is the meaning behind your blog name?
I knew that I wanted to be able to encompass all my interests on my blog no matter how different the genres and I wanted my blog's name to reflect that. I went with Grand Slams & Glitter in order to pull together my love for sports and my love for fashion/beauty into one title.
Where are you from?
As I have mentioned in previous posts, I am a military brat and am from all over the place (12 places to be exact)! I've mainly lived in the South East (Florida, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia) and spent most of high school in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Why did you start your blog?
I started my blog because I love writing and sharing my opinion, thoughts, interests, etc. and blogging is a creative outlet for doing just that!
What is the meaning behind your blog name?
I knew that I wanted to be able to encompass all my interests on my blog no matter how different the genres and I wanted my blog's name to reflect that. I went with Grand Slams & Glitter in order to pull together my love for sports and my love for fashion/beauty into one title.
For The First Time In 86 Years: "Can You Believe It?"
I was born into the fandom of Boston sports. I have never lived in Boston, or New England for that matter, but I was raised by two Massachusetts natives (praise the Lord for that). I grew up knowing that all things Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins were worthy of cheering, yelling, and celebrating. I knew that the Yankees were to be hated and that their fans weren't to be tolerated at any cost.
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| my dad and I rocking the Brady and Bruschi jerseys back in the day |
Things That Only Military Families Understand
Growing up a military brat is a different way of living. It's not the norm and there are definitely aspects of this life that no one else understands. There's plenty more so maybe I'll have a part 2 at some point but here's a few:
Where are you from? Uhhh….good question. But here's the deal…I don't know.
Recalling memories and gauging time based on where you were living at the time…
-Remember when we used to play "roof ball" in the backyard? (a game invented by my family; it was a good one, trust me) How old was I when we played that?!
-Oh yeah! Was that in South Carolina? No…Georgia?! So you were around 11 years old!
This method of recollection is actually very helpful and accurate.
Feeling like 3 years is a long time in one place. When you usually spend 1-2 years in a place, the occasional 3 years feels like a long time to go without moving. You get so used to moving that by the time 3 years rolls around, you're usually ready to move on to something new…change becomes wanted and necessary.
Where are you from? Uhhh….good question. But here's the deal…I don't know.
Recalling memories and gauging time based on where you were living at the time…
-Remember when we used to play "roof ball" in the backyard? (a game invented by my family; it was a good one, trust me) How old was I when we played that?!
-Oh yeah! Was that in South Carolina? No…Georgia?! So you were around 11 years old!
This method of recollection is actually very helpful and accurate.
Feeling like 3 years is a long time in one place. When you usually spend 1-2 years in a place, the occasional 3 years feels like a long time to go without moving. You get so used to moving that by the time 3 years rolls around, you're usually ready to move on to something new…change becomes wanted and necessary.
January Favorites
A while back I shared with you a post titled, "My Current Favorites" to let you know what products and things I was loving at the time. I've decided that this year I'd like to make it a more frequent themed post so I'm coming at you with my January Favorites today. There are quite a few things that I've been really loving lately so with that being said, here are some of my favorites for the month of January:
It's A 10 Leave in Conditioner
This has been a favorite of mine for a while but I ran out a while back and finally repurchased this month. This is, by far, one of the best leave-in conditioners that I've used. I definitely see a difference after using and it leaves my hair feeling much softer and healthier. I usually use it on damp hair after it's been washed. I tend to use a lot of heat on my hair (so, so bad) and it definitely leaves my hair damaged and unhealthy but this product really helps mend split ends and repair the damage. It also helps prevent frizz and protects against heat! Basically, it does everything you would want a leave-in conditioner to do.
It's A 10 Leave in Conditioner
5 Things To Think About In Your Spare Time
1. Your nose and ears will never stop growing.
Have you ever heard that our nose and our ears never stop growing? Well, I have. I really hope that this is a myth or something that parents made up one day just to scare their children. However, I have yet to hear any news of this being a false claim. Naturally, as a result, I picture myself at 80 years old doing cool things being a cool lady…with a squash sized nose and two oversized pears for ears.
2. Chipotle has been in the news.
If you haven't heard (are living in the desert with no internet service or friends) Chipotle has been having some problems lately. Until recently the only flaw I saw in my favorite burrito chain was its inability to provide me with queso. But now the news headlines include words like E. Coli, norovirus, and taking days off….if you're not worried about all this, you're brave. Get well soon, Chipotle.
Have you ever heard that our nose and our ears never stop growing? Well, I have. I really hope that this is a myth or something that parents made up one day just to scare their children. However, I have yet to hear any news of this being a false claim. Naturally, as a result, I picture myself at 80 years old doing cool things being a cool lady…with a squash sized nose and two oversized pears for ears.
2. Chipotle has been in the news.
If you haven't heard (are living in the desert with no internet service or friends) Chipotle has been having some problems lately. Until recently the only flaw I saw in my favorite burrito chain was its inability to provide me with queso. But now the news headlines include words like E. Coli, norovirus, and taking days off….if you're not worried about all this, you're brave. Get well soon, Chipotle.
Stay Organized This Semester
Can you believe we are already almost half way through the first month of 2016?! Holy guacamole right?! Many of us have already gotten back into the swing of things and are back to class. I still have a few weeks left of winter break but will soon be back to classes and a full time schedule myself. With that being said, I'm preparing myself for a new semester which means getting organized. I'll be the first to admit that I've never been the most organized person. BUT I'm also not terrible. I always start out the semester strong where organization is concerned and by the end of the semester I'm looking for my last scrap of paper to make room for notes for 3 different classes (slight exaggeration…but only slight). Can anyone relate??? My goal is to keep my organization in check throughout the whole semester this year. Despite my inability to keep completely organized for more than a couple months at a time, I do have some tips for staying organized that have really worked for me and might work for you too! Keep reading for 5 simple tips to staying organized and on top of your workload this year!
1. Have an agenda and USE it!
I LOVE agendas. Especially because there are so many fun and pretty ones out there! In high school, my planners were given to us by the school and were not nearly as pretty as the Lilly Pulitzer agenda that I swear by now. I recently got my third (!!!) Lilly Pulitzer agenda. They are a little pricier for an agenda but I definitely get my use out of it and it's really good quality! Kate Spade also has some really pretty ones. You definitely can find some really cute ones at Target though that are much more inexpensive. Either way I strongly recommend that everyone have an agenda to write down due dates, event dates, assignments, etc. This really helps keep your many tasks organized. I like to use the calendar pages for writing down major dates of exams, events, etc. and the individual day by day section for writing down homework assignments or tasks that I need to get done. This really helps me stay on top of things and keeps me from forgetting things that I have to do.
1. Have an agenda and USE it!
I LOVE agendas. Especially because there are so many fun and pretty ones out there! In high school, my planners were given to us by the school and were not nearly as pretty as the Lilly Pulitzer agenda that I swear by now. I recently got my third (!!!) Lilly Pulitzer agenda. They are a little pricier for an agenda but I definitely get my use out of it and it's really good quality! Kate Spade also has some really pretty ones. You definitely can find some really cute ones at Target though that are much more inexpensive. Either way I strongly recommend that everyone have an agenda to write down due dates, event dates, assignments, etc. This really helps keep your many tasks organized. I like to use the calendar pages for writing down major dates of exams, events, etc. and the individual day by day section for writing down homework assignments or tasks that I need to get done. This really helps me stay on top of things and keeps me from forgetting things that I have to do.
Super Bowl XLIX: Rewind and Recap
As NFL playoffs are officially underway again and Super Bowl L approaches, I have found myself thinking back to the emotional roller coaster that I experienced as a die hard Pats fan last year during Super Bowl XLIX, as the New England Patriots took on the Seattle Seahawks in AZ. Actually, to be completely honest, I think about that day often (LOL)…ahhh, pure bliss. Let's recap. Want to?
With a 7-7 tied game and less than 2 minutes left on the clock before the half, Tom Brady connects a beautiful pass to Rob Gronkowski for a touchdown and it called for a huge sigh of relief as we prepared to reach halftime with a 7 point lead.
Unbelievably frustrating that the Seahawks answered that play and moved the ball down to the 11 yard line on the next drive with a finishing completed pass from Russell Wilson to Chris Matthews, putting another Seahawks touchdown on the board before halftime.
With a 7-7 tied game and less than 2 minutes left on the clock before the half, Tom Brady connects a beautiful pass to Rob Gronkowski for a touchdown and it called for a huge sigh of relief as we prepared to reach halftime with a 7 point lead.
Unbelievably frustrating that the Seahawks answered that play and moved the ball down to the 11 yard line on the next drive with a finishing completed pass from Russell Wilson to Chris Matthews, putting another Seahawks touchdown on the board before halftime.
Winter Fashion Wish List
At the start of fall I shared with you my "Fall Fashion Wish List." So I thought it would be fitting that I share with you my winter fashion wish list as well now that we've officially entered the new season. I love Christmas and New Years but aside from the holidays, winter is a little bit of a struggle for me because I hate the cold weather. Winter clothes are also my least favorite where fashion is concerned buuut there are still some items on my wish list. Here are some items/trends I have my eyes on and everything is linked for purchasing!
Over The Knee Boots (also known as OTK boots if you want to sound cool and abbreviate)
First off, let me just say, I don't think I will ever not have some kind of boot or shoe on my wish list…there are too many great ones out there! Am I right?! That being said, I'm loving this new over the knee boot trend! I'm especially loving the grey suede ones, which is interesting because I am usually more drawn to black and browns. I love the way Olivia Palermo styled her's in the picture below.
Over The Knee Boots (also known as OTK boots if you want to sound cool and abbreviate)
First off, let me just say, I don't think I will ever not have some kind of boot or shoe on my wish list…there are too many great ones out there! Am I right?! That being said, I'm loving this new over the knee boot trend! I'm especially loving the grey suede ones, which is interesting because I am usually more drawn to black and browns. I love the way Olivia Palermo styled her's in the picture below.
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| Olivia Palermo found on vogue.com |
Happy New Year
Oh my, oh my, 2016?! That’s hard to believe, huh? I don’t
know about you, but for me, 2015 flew by! As great as 2015 was, I can’t wait to
see what this New Year holds. Rather than resolutions, I have compiled a
general list of reminders that, in my opinion, are applicable to everyone. So without further rambling and in honor of
2016’s arrival, here are 8 New Year reminders:
1.
Avoid
small talk. Embrace deeper conversation. Give your words meaning. Truly get
to know people. Rather than the general name, city, state, delve into who they
are and the opinions that they have and the things that they are passionate
about. Plus, everyone hates small talk anyways.
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